After a sold out Powerstation show in 2022, just under a year later Teddy Swims returned to Aotearoa for a Sold Out show at Auckland Town Hall. Upon arrival to the venue. The line ran down Queen St, to The Civic and beyond. I don’t understand why the venue was only opening half an hour before the opening act was due to take the stage, but that was what happened. People finally began trickling through security checks and into the venue at 19:30. It didn’t take long for people to get their merch or drink before grabbing their spot as close as possible to the front.
Lou’ana and her 3 piece band took the stage at 8pm. The crowd was really filling in and continued to trickle in as she kicked off her set. The crowd seemed to be very receptive of her and I don’t know if it was her infectious smile and attitude, or the amazing soulful vocals she delivered. I am sure if you were a fan of Teddy Swims, this is an artist you could definitely appreciate. There was nothing too wild about her set, she performed a half hour set that was simply her, her band and a flawless vocal performance. In a beautiful venue like the Town Hall, that is really all you needed to prepare you for the vocal onslaught from Teddy Swims that was to come.
With a half hour wait in-between sets, this allowed the rest of the crowd to really pack in across all three levels. I haven’t seen a full Town Hall like that in a while. It was quite the site. The crew cleared the stage and got it ready for Teddy. I have to say, the song about Pussy that randomly played just before Teddy took the stage was both funny and one hell of an entrance. The song wrapped up and the lights went out, it was time.
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Freak Freely took the stage one by one before the man himself graced us with his presence. Teddy took the stage in a full fit supplied by Huffer (they have posted a video of his shopping spree). It was hard to miss his very bright yellow ‘People Presence’ socks. That was one thing I loved off the bat, who needs a “performance outfit” when you can just rock Huffer, Stolen Girlfriends Club sunnies and a smile. No but really his energy and vibe really just made you feel excited about what was to come.
One random thing I overheard from the crowd was a punter shouting ‘Up The Wahs’. At first I thought how random it was, that was until as I took photos and noticed that the bandana/flag hanging out of Teddy’s pocket looked to be a warriors one.
Freak Freely, Teddy’s band really matched his energy and were also smiles. The guitarist even whipping out the odd dance moves. There were definitely some Tik Tok ones I noticed in there. Each band member had a solo throughout the night and you couldn’t not appreciate how much they enjoyed what they were doing.
Teddy spoke a bit during his set but the one thing I noticed he repeated was about how New Zealand really was one of the first one’s to accept him. This crowd truly loved him. It is wild the voice this man has, he makes it look so effortless. He could be laughing with his band or jumping around and will still hit even the highest or longest notes. Teddy Swims is an artist that really hits your soul and in a venue like the Town Hall, it couldn’t have been more perfect. The way his vocals carried through the venue, accompanied by some colourful light arrangements, including the beautiful site of fans phone lights, it truly was quite a night to experience in the Town Hall.
I don’t even know how to portray how great of a night this was through words. I could tell you so much of the show in detail but I still don’t think it will do it justice. So I hope this review, accompanied by these photos just shows you why you should really check out Teddy Swims if you don’t know of him and go see him perform live. You will not be disappointed, and I am grateful I got to see him perform once again and see the growth he has had.
UNTIL NEXT TIME TEDDY!
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TEDDY SWIMS SETLIST:
911
F.T.R.O.V.L
DON’T STOP BELIEVING
WHAT MORE CAN I SAY
DOSE
T.I.C.Y.M
DEVIL
SOMEONE WHO LOVED YOU
LOSE CONTROL
AMAZING
SIMPLE THINGS
YOU’RE STILL THE ONE
S.T.I.N.K
ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS
TENNESSEE WHISKEY
RIVERS
GOODBYES
BED ON FIRE